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AF Payments eyes further expanding usage of beep cards in public bus transport
By Aerol B. Patena

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) is eyeing to further expand the beep card system into public bus transportation next year.

AFPI spokesperson Tere Ancheta stated that the company expects that beep cards will be used in more premium point to point (P2P) bus routes and EDSA buses to ensure seamless travel for commuters.

“Most of our commuters ride buses once they get off the LRT or MRT. Beep card allows cashless payments which will be convenient for commuters as this will save time fumbling on their bags or pockets for change to pay for their fare,” Ancheta said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The beep card is currently available for use in the HM Transport Airport Loop (Baclaran to NAIA Terminal 3) buses, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) buses and in Citylink’s McKinley Hill to MRT-Magallanes-San Lorenzo Place routes.

AF Payments seeks to pursue an integrated and comprehensive loading network for the beep card system and institutionalize electronic payment for purchase of goods and services in the country similar to the Octopus card in Hong Kong.

It has partnered with convenience store chain Family Mart as its initial venture into retail out of transportation. Beep card holders can now reload and pay for their purchases at 80 Family Mart branches nationwide.

It is currently in negotiations with other convenience chain store operators to further expand its services.

Since its launch in 2015, the tap and go beep card has modernized payment enabling Filipinos to pay in all three elevated railways (LRT 1, 2 and MRT 3), select bus lines and the Cavite Expressway. There are currently over 2.5 million beep cards in circulation.

AF Payments Inc. is a consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Ayala Corporation that provides contactless payment solutions in the Philippines through its integrated product and service offerings, thereby enhancing the transaction experience of every Filipino. (PNA)

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